Men's Lacrosse

Q and A with Hornet of the Week Austin Stewart

The Lynchburg College athletic department each week showcases a question and answer feature with our Hornet of the Week. The 35th student-athlete selected this year is men's lacrosse sophomore Austin Stewart.

Stewart recently set a career high with seven goals in the ODAC Championship to help capture the program's first title since 2012. He finished the regular season with 49 goals, best on the team.
You had an incredible showing in the championship game with a career high seven goals. What was it like to post such a high number? Also, how did it feel to win your first conference championship?

It was a pretty awesome feeling posting a career high in such a meaningful game, but I could not have done it without my teammates. We are just running our plays the way we are coached to and getting open looks. Our offense is really clicking right now and we feel pretty good about that.

I can't describe the feeling of winning an ODAC championship. We came up short last year, but we were able to get it done this year and it was a real team effort. It starts with the offseason work that our guys put in and it is very rewarding to see that translate into a conference championship. We can't wait to get back after it in the NCAA tournament on Wednesday and definitely are not content just to make it.

What is your favorite thing about Lynchburg men's lacrosse?

My favorite part about Lynchburg Lacrosse is definitely my teammates. We spend so much time together and would not be nearly as successful if we did not get along. Our friendships have turned into a brotherhood and I would do anything for every single one of those guys.

What do you like most about Lynchburg College?

I think what I like most about Lynchburg College is the "homey" feel you get as soon as you step on campus as a freshman. Everyone is very welcoming, from the staff to the students, and it is easy to make friends from day one here.

In your mind, what does it mean to be a student-athlete and how has Lynchburg helped you out?

I feel that being a student-athlete is first and foremost being a student, while enjoying the opportunity to play the sport you love at a very competitive level. Lynchburg has been great for me both academically and athletically. All the professors are great and very easy to work with, and so is Coach Koudelka, who is always putting our academics before lacrosse.